DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN IOWA: You have doubtless seen in the Review, that our lots have been cast among you for the coming season; and as we have learned from dear and sad experience, the value of health, and as our usefulness among you will depend much on the vitality that we possess, we deem it a duty that we owe to ourselves, to you, and to God, to pursue such a course, healthwise, as will promote our health, and add to the strength and blessing that the Lord has given us in obeying the laws of our being. In order to this, several things are requisite, among which are the following:
1. A simple, plain, and nutritious, vegetable diet, free from grease and all other stimulating ingredients. Such a diet we use with wonderful relish, and it promotes clearness of mind, rest, etc.
2. Moderate labor. Experience and reason have taught us that this kind of labor accomplishes the most in the long run. We would not shrink from burdens, that the glory of God, and the good of the cause demand that we should bear; neither would we, on the other hand, labor to excess, in gratifying the wishes of well-meaning brethren to visit them promiscuously, irrespective of their real wants, or in holding late and protracted meetings, or in various other ways.
3. A full amount of rest. This we must have or we cannot labor. Nature must have a chance to recuperate. Let none, therefore, feel hard or disappointed, if we refuse to sit up late, nights, and to appoint business meetings, involving important matters requiring long investigations. We intend to hold such meetings, and do our visiting in the day time.
4. Proper beds and sleeping rooms. By this we do not mean feather beds. These we object to sleeping on in the warm season at least. Neither do we ask for sumptuously-furnished rooms; but we mean clean, and well-aired beds, and rooms into which we can let the pure and invigorating air of heaven, even though these should be in a log cabin.
5. But above all we need your confidence and co-operation. As to your confidence we hope to so comport ourselves by the grace of God as to have it; and we earnestly desire and pray that our labors together may not be in vain, but may tend to our furtherance in the great work of preparation to meet the Lord at his coming.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
Pray for Them.
By G. W. A.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN THE MESSAGE: Is there not a most imperative duty now resting upon us to remember in earnest and continued prayer those servants of God who declare this message? The Lord by his mighty hand and stretched-out arm has evidently interposed in behalf of several of the feeble ones, but does not the duty still rest upon us, as strong as ever, for us to bear their needs and wants before the throne of God's heavenly grace? I believe it does. And my prayer is that all the way from Iowa to New England, among the praying ones, a volume of prayer shall continually ascend in behalf of the preachers. God is good and merciful, but we must hold on to faith and prayer in order that his salvation, full, free, and glorious, may attend the word preached. Natural talents and ability are not to be undervalued, but then as the prophet says, "It is not by might nor power, but by MY SPIRIT, saith the Lord!" Oh that the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous may come up continually before God at this time.
We must pray for the brethren who go to labor in New England; pray for those who go to Iowa, amid the rebellion and anarchy which exists there, that the hand of God may be upon them for good, and that they may be instrumental in saving the honest ones; pray for those who go to Ohio, that the message as preached there this summer may be the means of gathering in many jewels to the Lord; pray for the work of God in Michigan, New York, and wherever this truth shall sound. Let there be no sectional feeling in any State or Conference, but may God make all our hopes and aspirations the same, as we "pray one for another." Oh that God, who hears prayer, may send out his light and truth now, and bless his people. Brethren, everywhere, pray for the ministers.
G. W. A.
Suspension of Thought.
By D. M. Canright
Dr. Mulholland, practicing physician of this county, makes the following statement over his own signature of an incident that occurred in his practice in Milwaukee, Wis.
“In this city in 1859, there was a brick building in process of erection. As I was standing by, a hod carrier was just starting with a load of bricks for the top of the building. The boss workman called out from above, 'More bricks.' The hod carrier was just ready to respond 'Aye, aye,' when a brick fell from above and struck him on the head, breaking the skull and pressing it down upon the brain. He was carried a few rods to a surgeon's room, where he was trepanned, that is, the skull was raised from off the brain. This was about half an hour after he was hurt. The moment the skull was raised so as to allow the brain to act, he responded, 'Aye, aye,' in answer to the call of the workmau for brick. Evidently these words were formed in the man's mind before the brick struck him. The pressure upon the brain suspended all thought. When the brain was allowed to act again, the mind took up its thread of thought right where it was broken off.”
“Dr. Mulholland.”
The above incident shows conclusively, that the action of the mind is entirely dependent upon the action of the brain. When the brain ceases to act,5thought is entirely suspended.
“The dead know not anything.”
D. M. Canright.
Tuscola Co., Mich.
Report from Bro. Rodman.
By P. C. Rodman
Sabbath, April 7th, I spent in Ashaway, R. I., and tarried until the 19th. Preached to the little company there, and assisted in organizing a Sabbath School. There is a pressing together with the friends of Jesus here.
My wife has been sick, so I have been detained at home much this spring, but the Lord has had mercy, and she is recovering.
The 19th, went to Natick, preached twice; the 22nd, preached two discourses in Arctic, and spent the 28th in Abington, and found the church here in deep trial—preached two discourses with freedom. The 29th, I preached two discourses in Westford. April 30, and May 1st, devoted to conversation with former acquaintances on present truth. May 5th, preached in Abington; 6th, preached once and organized a church of ten members.
Bro. H. G. Buxton was unanimously chosen as elder. Bro. L. Aply, secretary and treasurer; and Bro. C. Webster, deacon. There were five others that have met with them, but they withdrew. One of them appointed a separate meeting; one withdrew because there were objections to his being received into full fellowship at present. Neither of them will be of any benefit to the cause of truth, unless they manifest a less bitter spirit. The Lord have mercy on them, and save others from a like course. Re-organized s. b.; this is well for them, as they have to pay rent, for a place of worship, of twenty-five dollars this year, a burden they have not had before. The 7th, returned home, and spent the days of fasting with the church in Ashaway. It was a refreshing season. I believe the Lord heard and answered prayer. The 12th, our Sabbath School, Bible Class and meeting were all profitable seasons. Brethren here have secured a comfortable place for meetings, that will seat two hundred or more.
Sabbath the 19th, I spent in South Kingston, where there is a disposition to progress in the work, and all very much want to see and hear Bro. Cornell once more, and we hope we may some time. In South Kingston, s. b. for 1866 amounts to $58.24. In Ashaway, the amount is $36.40. There does not seem to be much apparent progress to truth just now, but it does not lose anything, and I believe there is an influence at work on the side of truth, that will keep it steadily advancing, if not perceivable by us always, and truth will soon bear away the victory. Oh for a share in its triumph at last!
P. C. RODMAN.
Ashaway, R. I.
The World's Conversion.
By J. N. Wilkinson
THIS doctrine has been taught by professed Christians for a great while. But we do not see any indications of a better state of things. On the other hand, the world is growing more and more corrupt, according to the prediction of the apostle, evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse. And also according to the words of our Saviour, iniquity is abounding on every hand, and the love of many is growing cold. Men are turning from the truth and embracing fables. They love smooth things. All this is according to the word of the Lord. There is no intimation of the world's conversion.
While traveling in the cars, not long since, I listened to the conversation of two gentlemen upon the subject of temperance. Their conversation commenced by one asking the other what he thought in regard to the increase of drunkenness and crime. In reply, the other said he had consulted the police in different cities, and had learned that drunkenness and crime were greatly on the increase. And he further remarked, that he had been engaged in the cause of temperance for a great while, but did not speak of very great success.
He spoke in particular of a certain document, which he had drawn up for the benefit of the public, and remarked that when he had got it completed, or ready to have an act taken upon it, that he found that four-fifths of the legal voters were indulging in the use of those things for a beverage, which his document prohibited. What the final result was I did not learn; but the idea struck me, that the prospect for the conversion of the world must be rather discouraging to those who are engaged in its reform.
J. N. WILKINSON.
Peterborough, N. H.
The Fast in Mannsville, N. Y.
By Abel Tuttle
Bro. White: For fear that no one else will take it upon them to say a word in regard to the protracted meeting of the four days' fasting, prayer and humiliation, I thought I would try to write a few lines, as I feel that the season was too signally blest of God not to be publicly acknowledged. And first, we were glad the servants of God gave the appointment. We felt it as from the Lord. And second, we were glad as an individual member, and I trust I can say as a church to engage in it. We had just been deeply afflicted by the loss of our much-esteemed deacon, Bro. Wm. H. Brigham, by a shocking accident as appeared in his obituary by Bro. Taylor.
But I am happy to say that God, by his Holy Spirit, was with us from the beginning to own and bless. The church came out rather sparingly the first day, but God's manifest presence with us carried back a good report, and our number and interest increased to the end, when the Adams' Center church met with us and we had a heavenly sitting together and were mutually blessed while listening to the fervent prayers and warm exhortations, and a little appropriate singing.
We felt the best evidence that God was owning and blessing the effort. We all felt that the precious cause for which we were willing to suffer would commence to arise from this time, and the Lord would raise up his servants to that degree that they would be able to perform all his righteous will, while we as individuals feel like letting our light shine out through our works.
We feel the rebuke of the faithful and true Witness upon us as never before. We mean to heed it. We want its fruits, we want to be filled with all the fulness of Christ; nothing short will do, it is now or never, we feel. O ye doubtful, fearful ones; how long, think you, ye can halt between two opinions? Get up and out of the way before God moves you out of the way in wrath. The message is going. It will gather the honest. If you are not of them, do not deceive yourselves, and finally be found without the wedding garment on.
In conclusion I would say, Bro. C. O. Taylor was not with us, being gone on a tour in the north part of the State, and Bro. A. C. Bourdeau, whom we expected in turn, had other engagements.
Yours in love of the truth. Abel Tuttle.
Our Blessed Hope.
By S. Elmer
THE Saviour is coming to save his afflicted people, to unbind the captive and let the oppressed go free, to give joy for heaviness, and beauteous garments for those of mourning, to cheer the lonely heart and dry the mourner's tears, to bring those loved ones from the land of the enemy, to re-unite the sleeping saints; in short, to remove the curse and bring again the happiness which was forfeited by the transgression of God's holy law in the fall of man. But notwithstanding all this, there are many who profess to be the disciples of their Lord and Master, and talk of his suffering for them, who still do not like to have the Saviour come. They see not the signs. It will not do to tell them anything about the Lord's coming. My father was speaking to one of the Baptist order about the coming of the Lord, when the man replied, "It isn't likely the Lord will come in a million of years." Why is this? Is it not because their hearts and treasures are here?
But blessed be the Lord, there are those who are anxious for that event. They will hail his coming with delight. To such he will appear the second time without sin unto salvation. They can now look forward with joy and sing,
He comes, the mighty Conqueror comes,
To wake the righteous dead,
And then on wings of love they'll soar,
Triumphant with their Head.
He comes to loose the galling chains
That bind the captive here,
He comes to cheer the lonely heart,
And dry the mourner's tears.
He comes to take the faithful hence,
To yonder world so fair,
How beautiful will be that home
Which Jesus doth prepare.
S. ELMER.
Kind Friends.
By M. J. Cottrell
WHAT a treasure they are! Did you ever think of it? Blessing you daily with cheerful smiles, loving words, little acts of kindness; giving you sympathy when sorrow casts its dark shadows over your pathway, and wise counsel when you seem hedged in with perplexities. You are surrounded with such friends. Have you ever thought of it? Have you ever thanked God for thus blessing you? for giving you these precious friends? Don't sit down and count your enemies, and think over how this and that one have wronged you. It may be that you were first in the wrong—but count your friends, if you can. Perhaps they have given you what seemed rather harsh rebuke, or reproof, well, what are friends good for, if they suffer us to rush into danger, without giving even a word of caution? Do you remember the incident of the two men who were painting some beautiful pictures where they had to stand on a scaffolding many feet high. One of them in viewing the painting which he had nearly completed, was so lost to all around him in admiration of his work, that unconsciously he had walked backward to the very edge of the platform, his companion saw his danger, another step and he would be dashed to pieces on the pavement, far, far beneath. As quick as thought he seized a wet brush and threw it against the painting; the man sprang toward his ruined picture, and thus was saved.
Was his companion an enemy because he thus ruined the grand painting which had cost so many hours of toil? No, for he did it to save the life of the painter. In like manner, our friends may at times frustrate some grand scheme of ours, to save us from danger, which we, in the fervor of delight or ambition, see not. Let us try to remember this, and let us seek to God for meekness to bear reproof, to listen to, and heed advice. It is no easy thing to acknowledge ourselves in the wrong: human nature stands up for dear self, and says, I think I know as well as any one else. But let us bear in mind that those who tell us of our faults, are our real, true friends.
I glance back over my life-path, and I see many friends, some gave me words of flattery, which pleased me for the moment, but it failed, died away, and was lost;—and those friends where are they? Echo answers, Where? Others gave me words of kind reproof, told me of faults which I saw not; and at times gave words of encouragement. I thank God for those friends. Those of them who are still treading the rugged paths of life are among my dearest friends, some sleep the sleep that knows no dreaming, but I hope to meet them when they gain that "Eternal rest, delightful home." Oh, we cannot too dearly prize our friends, and the kindest, the best, the most loving of all our friends will soon come to take us away from this dark earth, to dwell forever with Him in mansions of eternal light. We love the society of our friends, and what pleasure it will be to dwell forever with them, and above all, with that dearest Friend, in those realms of bright glory, where the weary, sorrow-stricken ones, the toiling, care-worn pilgrims, will rest that sweet, eternal rest.
M. J. Cottrell.
Rochester, N. Y.
Crime in Vermont
CRIME IN VERMONT.—A gentleman connected with one of the courts of Vermont, as clerk, informs us that there is at the present time more crime in the State than was ever known at any one period since the organization of the government, and that four-fifths of it is traceable to liquor. One county has some fifteen candidates for the State Prison.—Boston Recorder.
How to Advance Present Truth
By Thirza M. Foster
From Sister Foster.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: What can we do to advance the cause of present truth? What labor can we perform? Are not these questions which are often asked by every devout and humble disciple of Jesus? I will suggest a few things which to me appear to be both incumbent and practicable.
First. We can enter into our closets and increase our acquaintance with God and our own hearts. This is a work which must be done by ourselves, and upon its being well done our usefulness depends.
Second. We are under especial obligation to become thoroughly established in the truth. Some will say, if we but cultivate the religion of the heart, it makes but little difference what system of doctrine we embrace. How can those who profess godliness speak so lightly concerning Bible truth? Do they not remember that in the good confession which their Master witnessed before Pontius Pilate, he said, "For this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth?" Did not Paul assert that men were chosen to salvation through belief of the truth? And did not Peter declare that they purified their souls in obeying the truth?
The truth, as it is revealed in the sacred Scriptures, is the only system of religion which is suited to the conversion of wicked and fallen men; and those who alter the religion of the Bible so as to change its nature (though not its name) prevent its efficacy in the great work of salvation. The Devil in opposing the salvation of mankind has sought to corrupt the perfect theory of the Bible by which it is effected—then if we would escape the devices of the enemy, we must become thorough students of the word of God.
Third. There are but few ways in which we can do more good than by exemplifying a spirit of meekness. This formed a very distinguishing feature in the character of our divine Teacher, hence we hear him say, "Learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart." His zeal though great, was free from irritation; nor did it ever display itself in rash expressions. Even when contending with the Devil, no railing accusation was heard from his mouth. While living in the perils of the last days, we are often called to contend with error and evil-doing. The present generation presents to us a most lamentable and striking picture. Oh then let us ask the Lord for more wisdom, more righteousness, and meekness. Let us give heed to the words of the apostle to "be gentle unto all men, apt to teach—patient. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the Devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."
Our Saviour asks the question, "When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?" We are plainly taught by our Lord that the number of true believers will be few; nevertheless I am persuaded that God has a flock, though a scattered one, who humbly wait upon their Lord. Then dear brethren and sisters, let us take courage and press forward; for we know that Jesus is soon coming to gather his little flock, to whom he has said, "Fear not . . . for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Can we not adopt the language of Elisha to his servant when his fears were excited on seeing the Syrian host, "Fear not, for they that be with us, are more than they that be with them?" Satan and his evil angels are against us, but on our side there is an innumerable company of holy angels, sent forth as ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation. While a world lying in wickedness is arrayed against us, the saints are with us; and though they are a minority in number, they comprehend the excellent of the earth. They love what we love, and seek what we seek. But why do I speak of saints and angels as being with us? If we love God and keep his commandments, God himself is on our side, and "if God be for us, who can be against us?"
I would mention one thing more that we can do to advance the cause we love. We can pray. The evils which we cannot remove are not beyond the reach of Him who heareth prayer. In conferring the rich blessings of Heaven upon us, God will be inquired of, not only by our Advocate on high, but also by the remnant of Israel, his praying people on earth. Prayer is a labor which is in the power of all who desire to work in the vineyard of the Lord. There is no service, however, in which we engage where we have greater reason to expect to meet with hindrance. Satan is afraid of our prayers and hates to see us on our knees. He gets advantage of us by tempting us to inconstancy in our devotions, and also by diverting our attention when engaged in them. Seeing we know these exposures, let us put ourselves on our guard, and give no place to the enemy. Let us resolve to pray without ceasing; and pray in the Holy Ghost. A life of communion with God is a precious foretaste of Heaven. May the Lord help us to live exemplary lives, and to do all we can to advance the precious cause of Jesus. Let us each work according to the ability and means which God has given us; and work while the day lasts, that when Jesus comes we may be found without spot and blameless—waiting for our Lord.
THIRZA M. FOSTER.
Vienna, Dane Co., Wis.
Revival Through Prayer and Fasting
By Henry Nicola
From Bro. Nicola.
BRO. WHITE: If I had language to express my feelings, I would like to tell what the Lord has done for us of late. When we came up to the time appointed for prayer and fasting, we as a church stopped our work, and met each day according to appointment, and also in the evening of each day. We tried to feel from the first, that we were uniting our prayers with the brethren and sisters all over the land for the object set forth. But we soon began to feel that we were a great distance from the Lord, but as we began to repent of our lukewarmness, and exercise zeal in the matter, the Lord helped us to see that we had failed greatly in not living up to the light we have had in many things; especially did we feel that we had failed at our own homes, in our own families, and as we began to confess our faults, the good Spirit of God came into our meetings, and they grew better and better. Truly we began to feel that these were solemn assemblies, for as on former occasions many of our young brethren and sisters might have been heard between meeting hours laughing, and in light and chaffy conversation, they were now heard agonizing with the Lord for a true knowledge of themselves, and confessing their sins to God and to each other. So our meetings went on until the Sabbath. We met at 10 A. M. for prayer, and while we tried to pray, we believed that God had heard his people's prayers for his afflicted servants, and if not already answered, would in his own good time, and we felt truly happy. Had a short intermission, then came together to confess our sins and give a more full expression of what the Lord had done for us during these meetings, and then commemorate the death and sufferings of our blessed Lord. And as children began to confess to parents, and parents to children, and husbands and wives to each other, and brethren and sisters to each other, and also to their unconverted friends, the Spirit of the Lord came into our midst and touched our hearts in a more wonderful manner than we had yet felt. There was scarcely a dry face to be seen in the entire assembly of about seventy-five or eighty grown persons, besides many children whose hearts were also filled with the love of God. Some of them confessed their sins for the first time, and said they wanted to go with their parents to the Kingdom. We were made to think that truly the Spirit of Elijah's God was here, turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers. When we came to wash each others' feet, and commune at the Lord's table, our hearts were again touched, to see those that had had hard feelings against each other for a long time, break down and confess their sins and embrace each other again in the Lord. Truly our cups were all full, and we felt that our hearts were joined together as never before. I would7not forget to say that the Washington brethren, and
three from Mt. Pleasant met with us in these meetings and shared largely with us of the good Spirit of God. As our meetings closed, and we separated, we felt that we had been newly converted into the truth, and we felt to say from our hearts, that we would live better than ever before.
HENRY NICOLA.
Pilot Grove, Iowa.
Walk in the Light.
By W. G. Buckland
"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness." 1 Thess. v, 5.
The present truth, especially that portion which contains the evidences of the near coming of the Son of man, is often met with this objection, that we are searching into the secrets, and hidden things of the Almighty. We are told that we have no business to be searching the prophecies; that in doing so, we are sinning against God. Surely, this is a grave charge. To be found fighting against the will of God, walking contrary to his counsel and obeying not his law, is a grievous sin; and if we have done so, it is time we should repent. But how shall we settle this point? I know of no other way than that given by the prophet: "To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Our Saviour, John v, 39, says, "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me." The apostle Peter, who was favored with a miniature exhibition of the kingdom of God, and of the time of its being set up; seeing the importance of our being acquainted with the facts, says in his second epistle, chap. i, 19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts." Here he would set forth the importance of giving heed to the teachings of the prophets. He compares the light received from them, by us, to a great light that shineth in a dark place. They are given to lighten our pathway, down the stream of time. Suppose you were carried into a dark place or a cave of the earth, and there was placed in your hand a lamp; would you grope your way along in darkness giving no heed to the rays of light reflected from the lamp? or would you closely follow the light, and go no faster than it led you?
In Deut. xxix, 29, is found a very important testimony. We are accused of prying into the secret things of God; but this scripture fully exonerates us from this charge, and then what care we what men say about it? "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever." Yes, say they, there you have it; I knew the Bible would condemn you; secret things belong unto God only, and yet you are trying to know them. But hold! Two things are set forth: 1. Secret things. 2. Those things which are revealed. What are secret things? Webster defines it thus: "Concealed from the notice of others; secluded; known only to God." Then the secret things of God, are those which he has not made known or discovered unto man. Those things he has purposely withheld. But what are revealed things? Those things which he has made known in his word, through the agency of his servants the prophets.
We read in another portion of the Scriptures, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." And again, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." We are told in the word of the Lord that certain things are set forth as examples for us; some to admonish, some for reproof, and all of them are given for our learning, that we may be established in righteousness and godliness.
There are many texts of scripture bearing on this point which need not be noticed. With the light that we have shining from the word of God, we firmly believe that the scriptures, prophecies and all, are given for our learning, and instruction.
W. G. Buckland.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Self-Righteousness and Hidden Talents
MANY who have escaped the rocks of gross sin, have been cast away on the sands of self-righteousness.
If we hide our talent in the earth, we shall lose our treasure in Heaven.
My voice, O Lord, did cry
To thee who all my sorrow knows;
To thee when none was nigh,
My voice did all my wants and wishes pour
In supplication deep before thy throne,
My trouble and complaint it shows.
My spirit was o'erwhelmed within me sore,
My soul was had in thought, by those alone
Who in the dark had planned its overthrow,
And privily a snare had laid,
To hedge my way,—
Lord then my refuge thee I made,
Thou art my stay!
Attend unto my cry,
And quick deliverance show—
O Lord come very nigh.
Thou art my strength and portion in this land
Of desolation, where more strong than I,
Evil hath brought me very low.
Destroy, break loose the persecutor's band!
From prison bring my soul before it die;
Each fetter break, bend every bow!
Bountiful with thy servant be,
Be wholly mine,—
Let righteousness encompass me,
All praise be thine!
Etta Booth.
Letters.
By Editor
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.
Affliction and Healing from Neuralgia
By P. H. Moffett
From Sister Moffett.
BRO. WHITE: I wish to say to the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I am still striving to walk in the light of the third angel's message; and although it has been nearly a year since I have contributed any thought to the columns of the Review, it is not because my interest has lessened in the cause of truth; but I can say that my interest and love for the present truth is greatly increasing. But in common with many of the brethren and sisters, I have it to say that the past year has been to me one of affliction and trial.
For the encouragement of others, I will briefly state some of my experience in this time, and what the Lord has wrought for me. I would say that I have been afflicted with the painful disease, neuralgia, for a number of years, and was suddenly attacked again last July, and in so powerful a manner that I was brought near the grave. I was taken on the 10th inst. with a pain in my right jaw, which soon spread through the right side of my face and neck, and notwithstanding the many means used to stop its progress, it increased so rapidly that in a week's time I was reduced so low that I could scarcely speak, and my head was drawn sidewise by a contraction of the nerves and muscles in my neck, and my sufferings were so great that I felt assured that I could endure it but a short time. While thus suffering, and praying, "Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me," the words of the apostle came with great force to my mind, "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." James v. 15. I then desired that those present should unite in prayer in my behalf. I told them I had faith to believe that God would answer their prayers, if they would but claim the promises. Then several prayers were offered up to a throne of grace for my recovery. Never did prayer sound sweeter to me than in that moment of pain and anxiety. Oh, what joy, faith, hope, and gratitude, filled my heart, when I began to realize that their prayers were heard and being answered. The first had not ceased praying when the pain began to lessen; when all had finished, I rose up in bed and could speak with my usual voice, and my head had its natural position, and the pain was nearly gone.
I then got out of bed, walked across the room to the table, picked up the precious volume, the Bible, and read aloud. Oh, what a change! One hour before, I could but whisper my request, and now I could read the promises of God aloud. We then retired for the night. I rested well, rose in the morning without pain, but weak, and still suffered from weakness and occasional pains in my face for a number of weeks. I still spread my case before the Great Physician, imploring his blessing on every remedy, and my health was improving rapidly. But I was soon called to pass through another severe trial. On the first of October last I received the sad news of a dear sister's death. When I received this sad information, I was still feeble in health, and as I had not heard of her sickness, I could not at first be reconciled. I thought of the many hours she had watched over me in sickness. Her words of comfort and cheerful smile, they were all in the past, and I had not had the privilege of repaying her in her last sickness. Oh, I thought I could not endure my trials longer, but must soon be laid in the grave also; as my health now was failing instead of improving, and amid trials, persecutions, and the addition of my present bereavement, I for a time had no hope of recovering my health. But the love of God has sustained me in my trials, and if I am submissive to his will, and receive these afflictions aright, they will work out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
I feel thankful for the light we as a people have received in regard to the health reform, and from which I have been much benefited; for as I have endeavored to live in obedience to the laws of life, and have given up the use of tea and coffee, relying on the Great Physician for overcoming grace, my health has improved within the past six months far beyond my expectations, so that at present, I enjoy the best health I have in five years, for which I have great reason to thank God.
Dear brethren and sisters, to you who have suffered like afflictions I would say, be of good cheer; our sufferings will soon be ended, and we shall reap if we faint not. The crown, the kingdom, and eternal life, are just before us, and though we are living in perilous times, God is able to deliver us, and in the language of Paul I would say, "Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,—and having done all to stand."
Your sister in the truth.
P. H. MOFFETT.
Seville, Mich., Apr. 25, 1866.
Fasting and Prayer in Iowa
By A. W. Cummings
From Bro. Cummings.
Bro. White: This is the second day of our fasting and prayer. We have good meetings, and the Spirit of the Lord seems to be with us. The brethren and sisters take right hold and do their duty,---no reluctant ones. Since the division here, we have had very good meetings. There seems to be unity among the brethren and sisters. We mourn over the trouble we have had here. The cause of God has been marred very deeply by the enemy, and some that were engaged, and loved the truth, have given it up, and see no more beauty in it. Now they cry peace and safety,---no trials for the people of God. Paul says, "when they cry peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them." Sister W.'s views are in harmony with Paul. She says, "beware of those that cry peace and safety." The visions sound to me like the voice of the Good Shepherd. They reprove sin on every hand, and point us to the atoning blood of Christ for salvation, and teach us to deal faithfully with our own selves, and form characters for Heaven, to get ready for the coming of Christ; to trust in the Lord, to live faithfully, and lead a holy life. I want to live and obey this truth, and at last meet you with the children of God on Mount Zion.
A. W. Cummings.
Marion, Iowa, May 10, 1866.
Meetings at Durand
By W. Sutliff
From Bro. Sutliff.
Bro. White : Myself and companion observed the fast with the brethren of Durand, Wis. We arrived in time to attend the meeting on Wednesday, but not being acquainted with any of the brethren, by the time we found where the meeting was, it was out, and we met some of them on their way home. We had meetings every day at one o'clock until Sabbath, when we met at eleven. We had much enjoyment in these meetings, although there was some backwardness on the part of a few.
There are some in Durand who will no doubt stand on the sea of glass; and some I fear who will sell their birthright. One good sister wept as she said that the way was so straight that it seemed almost impossible for her to walk in it.
My prayer is that the Lord will visit Durand and help the dear ones to cut loose from the world, and any who are a hindrance to them in the discharge of their duty. Oh how trifling are a few years of self-denial and humility compared to an everlasting inheritance in the earth made new. That we may deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus is the prayer of your companion in tribulation.
W. Sutliff.
Falls City, Dunn Co., Wis., May 15, 1866.
H. MILLER
By H. Miller
From Bro. Miller.
Bro. WHITE: I have a few lines to write which may encourage some. We as a church tried to observe, by fasting and prayer, the four days' meeting set apart by the Committee, and it has proved a blessing to us. I trust that we have been made to see our standing before God and each other. Many humble confessions were made, and the hearts of this little band united in the love of God. Others seemed to realize their situation and made a start at our meetings. Little children arose with tears in their eyes, requesting the prayers of the church; and after the close of the Sabbath we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. The brethren were much encouraged, and still love to walk in the pathway of the just. May the Lord reward his people, is my prayer.
This church has adopted the Resolutions on Dress, that were adopted by the Battle Creek church, as published in Review, Vol. xxvii, No. 23.